The senior Meals on Wheels program is the beneficiary of the annual Christmas décor sale at the Hood River Valley Adult Center.

The annual Christmas décor sale runs throughout the month of December, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Funds raised through the sale will be used to support Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers balanced meals to the homes of seniors and shut-ins. The meals are provided five days a week, adding up to approximately 8,590 meals a year.

Included at the sale is a Gifting Tree, which is an opportunity to “sponsor a senior” for the Meals on Wheels program. Sponsor-A-Senior helps offset the cost of providing meals to those seniors who cannot pay, currently up to 17.

According to the Adult Center, there are many seniors in the county who lack proper nutritional support in order to maintain their health and independence in their own homes. The Center receives referrals from neighbors, friends and family members, the hospital and the Department of Human Services.

Other funding for the Meals on Wheels program comes from general donations, Sponsor-A-Senior pledges, fundraisers such as the Center’s thrift store, Tuesday-night bingo, and pies sold at the Harvest Fest; and meal recipients who self-pay.

Besides financial contributions, there are many ways to help the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteer opportunities include:

n drivers for delivery

n meal preparation helpers

n public relations and marketing

n thrift store donations and volunteering

n administration

Volunteer drivers currently deliver Meals on Wheels to Hood River, Pine Grove, Odell, Parkdale and Mount Hood. The Center is working to expand deliveries to include Cascade Locks.